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U.S. red meat exports fall in August
Story Date: 10/16/2012
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Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 10/15/12
Volume and sales of U.S. red meat exports in August were down, but year-to-date value remained slightly ahead of 2011’s record-setting pace, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
U.S. beef exports in August were 100,468 metric tons, 14 percent lower than August 2011 volume. In value, August exports totaled $486.2 million, 5 percent lower than a year ago. For January through August, beef exports were 11 percent lower than a year ago in volume (759,901 metric tons) but still 2 percent above last year’s record value pace at $3.66 billion, USMEF said.
U.S. pork exports in August were down 6 percent in volume (175,310 metric tons) and 7 percent in value ($495.5 million) compared to a year ago, but these totals were up 10 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from the previous month. Through the first eight months of the year, 2012 pork exports were up 2 percent in volume (1.474 million metric tons) and 8 percent in value ($4.13 billion) from last year’s record levels.
“We face a challenging business climate in several key markets, with rising production costs and slowing economic growth creating some anxiety among buyers,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng.
“We’re also seeing a surge in domestic meat supplies in some areas, particularly in South Korea. But the commitment to enhancing global demand for U.S. beef and pork remains very strong, as evidenced by the terrific support of our producer organizations. These are the circumstances in which effective global marketing takes on an even greater level of importance, as producers need to maximize the value of every cut and every carcass.”
To view the statistics in more detail, click here.
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